There’s a good chance people have seen the latest Genesis Electrified G80 and not even realized it thanks to the car’s remarkable resemblance to its internal-combustion sibling. This all-new offering is one of the best-looking examples in the zero emissions mid-size luxury sedan segment, and doesn’t drive half bad either.
“The Electrified G80, the perfect balance of athleticism and elegance, marks the beginning of our journey into the EV market, representing Genesis in the era of electrification,” says Genesis global head Jay Chang in a news release during the model’s reveal in Asia back in 2021.
Designers have cleverly left signature styling cues intact like the Crest Grille, which is completely solid since there’s no radiator behind to feed with fresh air. Instead, the charging port is cleverly concealed in the upper right corner behind a one-touch-open panel. While the hidden location provides a seamless appearance, short charging station cables might prove challenging. Besides a slightly modified bumper, rear exhaust tip delete and different alloy wheels the vehicle is almost indistinguishable from the non-EV version.
In other words, the same Two-Line language is present, seen in the thin LED head and tail lamp shape, fender repeaters and elsewhere around the exterior. The roof line still bears a steep slope towards the rear that meets a slightly raised trunk lid lip, complemented by a full-width chrome garnish and emblem.
The interior is no less premium and features the same fully digital 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and expansive 14.5-inch infotainment display. Controlled via touch or the dual rotary knobs the system is a joy to use and is world’s better than many examples found in competing products. The wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are equally excellent and connects nearly instantly to a smart device making navigation and streaming a painless experience. Overhead, the cool black microfiber suede headliner in Darpan’s tester added to the classy feel.
Dual 136-kilowatt front/rear electric motors generate a net 365 horsepower and whopping 516 lb-ft of torque. The instant performance coupled with a soft, floaty adaptive suspension was enough to make me a little motion sick the first few times I drove. Make no mistake the Electrified G80 is quick, though the battery does add hundreds of kilograms of weight and the 4.9-second 0 to 100 km/h time is only a tad faster than the gasoline-consuming 3.5T V6 variant.
On the topic of the battery (mounted beneath the floor and resulting in slightly less cabin and trunk space compared to the latter), range is estimated at 427 kilometres on a full charge. In real-world wintertime operation, the number is a bit lower if heated seats and the like are activated. Depending on the rating of a Level 3 station, a top-up to 80 per cent can take anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes.
Attached to the steering column are a pair of paddles that change the amount of regenerative braking force to siphon energy back into the powertrain, and at the maximum setting is able to bring the four-door to a complete stop when the foot is off the pedals.
All this technology comes at a price, however — the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 is offered in a single all-inclusive Prestige trim retailing at $105,150.
Highlights (as tested)
MSRP: $105,150
Motor: dual
Horsepower: 365 (net)
Torque (lb-ft): 516 (net)
Transmission: one-speed automatic
Layout: front/rear motor
Fuel economy: 2.18 Le/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)